Ask the Editor: Vol. V, No. Seven

It’s been a long few weeks. I keep hoping for a few moments to breathe, but that isn’t 2025’s plan. Here are a few questions for the reader mailbag.

Hi Abra:

Can you help me find a great blowdryer that costs less than $100? I can’t stomach spending more.

JCZ

Two months ago, I went on a business trip and this BabyBlissPro was the blow dryer in my hotel room. It was so good. The concentrator attachment delivered the most volume I’ve ever seen on a trip.

Dear Abra,

I have a conundrum on how to talk to female associate attorneys regarding the dress code – specifically wearing tennis shoes in the office during the day. 

I am a partner in a smallish tax firm (one of two female partners). I got asked to speak to our female associates regarding footwear. two of our female associates have worn fashion sneakers to work with dress clothes. I don’t really care, but a few of my partners do. Any advice you have would be greatly appreciated, including if i should just let this go as a sign of the times. 

Sincerely, AW

It’s never been easy to talk to employees about a dress code, especially female employees. And with a younger generation who came up during a pandemic and its aftermath, when rules about dress were upended, it has become even more challenging.

My recommendation would be this: Go to the partners and say, “I’ve been thinking about your concerns regarding sneakers in the office. Perhaps it would be a good idea to develop a firm dress code so the expectations are clear for everyone.” Then, come up with a reasonable, gender-neutral dress code that addresses when more casual attire is appropriate.

Having conversations with individual lawyers as perceived deviations from the prescribed dress come up is a slippery slope that I would not recommend rolling down. A clear policy, equitably and fairly applied is the way to go.

If you would rather just speak to the two attorneys individually, simply say that they’re in client facing roles and the partners want to project more professionalism than a pair of sneakers conveys. You’re not making a judgment about their attire except to say that sneakers are too casual.

Hi Abra,

I just picked up this Ann Taylor dress to wear to a fall wedding. How would you accessorize?? The wedding is semi-formal/dressy casual but also tropical themed so… i’m stumped. 

Thank you, A

If you bought the black, a tropical theme will be a challenge, but it’s not impossible. The key is to think, how would I wear this dress in Hawai’i? I would add some natural bangle bracelets, these wood and shell bangles caught my eye. Add some big hoops. Choose a slightly more relaxed braided sandal.

If you bought the blue, I would add some more color to bring in a summery vibe. I like this dark green resin bracelet, wear two. Pick up a skin-tone sandal. And grab that “must have” beachy clutch from a few years ago.

Do you have any recommendations for a chic jewelry organizer? I’d love something i can put on top of a dresser or vanity and see all my pieces at once. I’d love to find something like this but more…evelated. Hoping to spend less than 100. Unrealistic?

Heather

This one from Target is similar to the one you sent, but a little more elegant. This floral branch jewelry organizer is really beautiful, but will only hold a small amount of jewelry. Same for this tiered marble tray.

I keep mine in these organizer trays in the top drawer of my dresser. That way, I open the drawer and I can see everything at once.

Hi Abra!

Love your blog! Can you recommend a hairspray that doesn’t smell terrible (and hopefully doesn’t smell too strongly)?

Thank you!!

I use this Tresemme hairspray because it is fragrance free. Be forewarned, because it has not fragrance, it smells like alcohol. But that smell dissipates after a few minutes.

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